News Center

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants

(Aug 26, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 26 – Saying it creates an unfair situation that arbitrarily rewards some workers but not others, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, are calling on officials to revisit the state’s hazard pay grant program, which they claim unfairly excluded thousands of essential workers. In a letter to Dennis Davin, secretary of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, the lawmakers and several other colleagues from the Northwest Democratic Caucus are demanding a new round of grants. “Hazard pay is designed to compensate workers for braving dangerous conditions on the job,” Harkins said. “With the advent of the pandemic, the risks may arise in different ways, but they all amount to the same basic danger: the possibility of contracting a potentially deadly illness. It’s illogical and irresponsible for the state to separate out some workers as more deserving of hazard pay than others.” “Essential workers are just that – essential to the commonwealth,” Bizzarro said. “Whether they are transporting a patient by ambulance, providing nursing care or dispensing a prescription, they are all serving acute needs and, in the process, knowingly exposing themselves to danger. By selectively designating some essential workers as eligible for hazard pay but not others, we are suggesting that some are more deserving than others when nothing Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants

(Aug 26, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Pa. state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is fighting for more support for our state’s frontline workers, many who have yet to receive hazard pay. Read more

 

Merski, Bizzarro Harkins: Nearly $190,000 to help students with special needs retain crucial skills during pandemic

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 20 – Funding of $189,895 to six area schools and districts will help ensure Erie students with special needs are not left behind during the pandemic, state Reps. Bob Merski, Pat Harkins and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced. “One of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic from a learning standpoint has been the loss of classroom learning,” Merski said. “All students benefit from in-person instruction, but for students with special needs, specifically designed instruction can be essential. This funding will help provide those extra services to ensure students with special needs don’t fall behind and are prepared to tackle the new year with skills intact.” “Our exceptionally dedicated teachers and special education staff are doing what they can to ensure students with special needs don’t fall behind during the pandemic,” Bizzarro said. “Nevertheless, gaps in classroom learning have posed special challenges requiring additional resources. This funding is going to put those resources into educators’ hands so they are able to supplement remote learning with real-time instruction and ensure vulnerable students continue to thrive.” “Inclusion is the key to ensuring our next generation is equipped to face the future and step into good-paying jobs,” Harkins said. “But that means giving all of our students an equal opportunity to advance. When Read more

 

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic

(Aug 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic Read more

 

Fall 2020 Newsletter

(Aug 18, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

A summary of how Rep. Bizzarro is working for the community in Erie and Harrisburg. Read more

 

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay

(Aug 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 -- Thanks to the COVID-19 PA Hazard Pay Grants, Erie businesses will receive $331,800 to boost pay to front-line workers helping the community through the pandemic announced Erie state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. The following Erie-based service providers were awarded grants through the program to help boost essential workers’ pay from Aug. 16 through Oct. 24: $183,600 - LifeServices Management Corp., Westlake Woods Assisted Living Community, Southwoods Assisted Living Community, Hawthorne Woods Assisted Living Community, Richland Woods Assisted Living Community, and The Winds at Mattern Orchard Assisted Living Community. $169,440 - The Sarah A. Reed Retirement Center. “These grants will help front-line workers earn a living wage as they jeopardize their, and their family’s, health and safety by going to work, keeping shelves stocked, caring for children, keeping health care facilities clean, transporting our neighbors and more,” Bizzarro said. “Specifically, the workers of Erie’s care facilities have faced many challenges caring for our most at-risk population and their hard work and dedication more than deserves this boost in pay.” “Since the start of the pandemic, assisted living and nursing care workers have shown up day after day – under the Read more

 

Rep. Bizzarro announces over $700K in water system improvement grants

(Aug 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 17 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro today announced that McKean Township and Middleboro will receive state grants from the PA Small Water and Sewer program for construction, repairs and improvements to community wastewater sewage treatment plants. “I strongly advocated for these investments that will help keep public water supplies safe. It’s always less expensive to invest in clean water treatment measures instead of cleaning up contamination. I am thrilled with the state’s investment in helping our local municipalities complete these projects and keep our water supplies clean,” said Bizzarro. Projects funded by the PA Small Water and Sewer Program in Erie’s 3 rd Legislative District as announced by the Commonwealth Financing Authority today include: McKean Township - $425,000 to replace the Colonial Village Subdivision Sewage Treatment Plant. Middleboro - $114,312 to extend a sanitary sewer line along N. Main St. in McKean Borough. Middleboro - $163,801 to construct streambank protection measures for the wastewater treatment plant along Elk Creek in McKean Borough. The Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Programs offers municipalities and municipal authorities grants for small water and sewer infrastructure projects. Grants can be used to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply or sanitary Read more

 

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski announce Erie to receive $300K investment for area housing security

(Aug 13, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski

ERIE, Aug. 13 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, D-Erie, today announced that four Erie-based organizations will receive $300,000 in state funding to help local residents with housing costs. “As we navigate this pandemic, housing security is an important part of public safety. These projects will improve access to affordable housing while stimulating our economy. Public-private partnership is an important part of addressing the drastic need for housing that people can afford,” explained Bizzarro. “These funds will go directly to supporting our most vulnerable neighbors and those who care for them.” “Safe, affordable housing has never been more important as our community endures the economic impact of this pandemic,” Harkins said. “This funding is going to help make sure those in our community who are displaced or in danger of becoming homeless will have the security that comes with knowing they have affordable options. It will also assist residents in making necessary repairs and improvements.” “In addition to helping more Erie families find safe, affordable housing, this funding is going to support and improve related social services,” Merski said. “Some of the funding will be used to develop a centralized intake system so housing counselors can serve additional clients, while other funding will go to support our direct care workers who may facing evictions Read more

 

Four organizations to receive $300,000 in state funding to help Erie residents with housing costs

(Aug 13, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

A total of four Erie-based organizations will receive $300,00 in state funding to help local residents with housing costs, as announced on Thursday by State Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski. Read more

 

Area school districts to receive nearly $700,000 in health and safety grants

(Aug 07, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

HARRISBURG, Aug. 7 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced that area schools will receive state grants to help fund health and public safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Schools have been particularly burdened with the impacts of the coronavirus. These funds will help students and teachers get back to classrooms in the safest way possible, equipped with appropriate protective materials. Career and technical schools faced unique challenges and disruption in education, and this grant will help them resume operations and the hands-on learning they provide,” Bizzarro explained. Grant recipients in the 3rd Legislative District include: Millcreek Township School District -- 378,925 PCCD grant General McLane School District -- $203,535 PCCD grant Erie County Technical School -- $116,101 CTC Equity grant The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded COVID-19 Disaster Emergency School Health and Safety grants for the 2020-21 school year from its allocation of federal CARES Act money. Schools may use the funding to purchase cleaning and sanitizing products; training and professional development of staff on sanitation and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases; equipment purchases; modifying existing areas to support appropriate social distancing of students and staff; providing mental health services and supports; purchasing educational Read more

 

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: $13,000 in COVID emergency relief to Erie Art Museum, Historical Society

(Aug 05, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 5 – The Erie Art Museum and Erie Historical Society will receive $13,000 in federal funding to help with operations impacted by the pandemic, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The grants include $7,000 to the historical society and $6,000 to the art museum. “As we reopen, rebuild and restructure to adapt to life during the pandemic, it’s critical that we continue supporting these special places that showcase and preserve our unique Erie history and culture,” Merski said. “The artwork and documents they protect and display serve as a chronicle for future generations about how our community persevered and survived -- even during times of adversity. Keeping them operating is as important now as ever." Harkins said, “In addition to collecting and preserving unique and important art and artifacts, our Erie Art Museum and Historical Society do so much to keep our community educated and engaged through learning, community programs, classes and events. This funding will help ensure that these important community centers can continue operating to provide these services now and in the months to come.” Bizzarro said, “Through their exhibits and displays, our Erie Art Museum and Historical Society play an important role in attracting visitors and tourists to our area, which is important to our local economy. This funding is going Read more

 

Erie Art Museum, Erie County Historical Society to receive $13,000 in COVID emergency relief

(Aug 05, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

State Representative’s Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today that the Erie Art Museum and the Erie County Historical Society will receive $13,000 in federal funding for COVID emergency relief. Read more

 

Coronavirus-Related Safety Grant to Help Erie Universities, Institutions Resume Operations

(Aug 04, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

The grant is part of a $28 million package in federal funding to organizations across Pennsylvania. Read more

 

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants

(Aug 03, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, Aug. 3 – Grant funding of $512,227 will help Erie’s postsecondary education organizations implement plans to keep students learning as schools resume operations this fall, state Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski, and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants -- part of a package of $28 million in federal funding to organizations statewide – include the following: Edinboro University of Pennsylvania -- $239,640. Erie Institute of Technology Inc. -- $11,797. Gannon University -- $106,418. Great Lakes Institute of Technology -- $20,900. Mercyhurst University -- $133,472. “With this funding, our universities and tech institutes will be able to implement plans and purchase equipment to keep students learning in the safest possible ways – whether that’s through online instruction, in-person classes, or a combination of both,” Harkins said. “The money can be used for a variety of resources, from protective and sanitizing equipment to structural modifications to online technology.” “Although learning is most effective when it takes place in a live, energetic environment with real-time questions and demonstrations, the practical concerns raised by the pandemic mean that we have to sacrifice some aspects of that model,” Merski said. “With this funding and creative planning by school administrators, though, Read more

 

Democrats in key states press for a more visible Biden campaign

(Aug 03, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

“I want to see Democrats doing more to get one another excited for this race,” said Pennsylvania state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D), whose Erie County district split its vote in 2016, siding with him and Trump. Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants

(Jul 28, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

ERIE, July 28 – State Reps. Pat Harkins, Bob Merski and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, have joined fellow lawmakers in calling on Gov. Tom Wolf to lift a recent restriction limiting bars and restaurants to 25% indoor capacity. In a letter to the governor co-signed by other members of the Northwest Delegation, the Erie lawmakers said the restriction does little to improve public safety while jeopardizing the survival of key local businesses. “Requiring local restaurants and bars to adhere to a 25% capacity rule will make it incredibly difficult for them to meet operating expenses and survive,” Harkins said. “Instead of punishing all restaurant and bar owners for the transgressions of a few, we should be better enforcing safety violations by the few and leaving our responsible business owners alone so they can help our community make an economic recovery.” Merski agreed, saying “ Protecting the health of our residents doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the viability of the local businesses that are the lifeblood of our economy. There is no reason to believe slashing capacity will enhance public safety, and there is no point in doing so if it will not change the behavior of the few bad actors responsible for the violations. “We need to reinstate the 50% capacity guideline before more residents are forced to resort to crossing state lines to dine out.” Bizzarro said, “We Read more

 

Local Lawmakers Call on Gov. Wolf to Remove 25 Percent Capacity Limit on Bars, Restaurants

(Jul 28, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

The lawmakers say the restriction does little to improve public safety while jeopardizing the survival of local businesses. Read more

 

New Pa. Tax Exemption Program Provides Incentive To Revitalize Blighted Properties

(Jul 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Act 61 of 2020 creates the Tax Exemption and Mixed-Use Incentive Program, which will give a tax break to property owners who plan to bring new life to old buildings. Read more

 

LECOM Announces NWPA Regional Response Health Collaborative

(Jul 20, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Program made possible through $6.2 million state grant Read more

 

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year

(Jul 17, 2020) Rep. Ryan Bizzarro

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year Read more

 

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants
Aug 26, 2020

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro urge state to expand hazard grants
Aug 26, 2020

Merski, Bizzarro Harkins: Nearly $190,000 to help students with special needs retain crucial skills during pandemic
Aug 20, 2020

Several Local Schools to Receive Funding to Help Special Needs Students Amid Pandemic
Aug 20, 2020

Fall 2020 Newsletter
Aug 18, 2020

Hazard Pay Grants will help bolster Erie frontline worker pay
Aug 17, 2020

Rep. Bizzarro announces over $700K in water system improvement grants
Aug 17, 2020

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski announce Erie to receive $300K investment for area housing security
Aug 13, 2020

Four organizations to receive $300,000 in state funding to help Erie residents with housing costs
Aug 13, 2020

Area school districts to receive nearly $700,000 in health and safety grants
Aug 07, 2020

Bizzarro, Harkins, Merski: $13,000 in COVID emergency relief to Erie Art Museum, Historical Society
Aug 05, 2020

Erie Art Museum, Erie County Historical Society to receive $13,000 in COVID emergency relief
Aug 05, 2020

Coronavirus-Related Safety Grant to Help Erie Universities, Institutions Resume Operations
Aug 04, 2020

Erie universities, institutes awarded more than $500,000 in COVID safety grants
Aug 03, 2020

Democrats in key states press for a more visible Biden campaign
Aug 03, 2020

Harkins, Merski, Bizzarro ask governor to remove 25% capacity limit on restaurants
Jul 28, 2020

Local Lawmakers Call on Gov. Wolf to Remove 25 Percent Capacity Limit on Bars, Restaurants
Jul 28, 2020

New Pa. Tax Exemption Program Provides Incentive To Revitalize Blighted Properties
Jul 20, 2020

LECOM Announces NWPA Regional Response Health Collaborative
Jul 20, 2020

Lawmakers Proposing Bill That Would Modify School Structure For Upcoming Year
Jul 17, 2020